Juan Mata says Manchester United are facing a "crucial" part of the season.

Mata, who scored both goals in United's 2-1 win over arch rivals Liverpool before the international break, said Louis Van Gaal's side's next four games are likely to define their season.

"We are in the last stage of the Premiership, with just eight weeks ahead," said Mata. "Eight crucial games to determine where we will finally stand on the table.

"I check the calendar and I see four big games for us in April: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton.

"All of them are big clubs and we want to show that we can beat them, getting close to our goal and also making our fans happy."